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Jetée de Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse

Q Red🇫🇷Les Sables-d'Olonne, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Jetée de Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse

This cylindrical masonry tower, built in 1911, stands 14 meters tall at the end of the Jetée de Saint-Nicolas breakwater. Its white structure is topped by a red lantern and gallery. The lighthouse emits a quick, flashing red light. It stands on the mole that shelters the west side of the Les Sables-d'Olonne harbor entrance. The focal plane is 16 meters above sea level, and its light is visible for 12.2 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the end of the breakwater mole, preventing vessels from striking this obstruction as they enter the harbor.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q Red
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
Q R
Focal Height
16m
Geographic Range
12.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1911

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Les Sables-d'Olonne(0.4 km)

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a red lantern and gallery
Material
masonry

Structure: round masonry tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Les Sables-d'Olonne
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Pays de la Loire
Sea Region
The Jetée de Saint-Nicolas is the breakwater mole sheltering the west side of the harbor entrance. Located at the end of the mole.
Latitude
46.4872°
Longitude
-1.7920°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Jetée de Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse at night?+
Jetée de Saint-Nicolas displays the characteristic Q Red. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Jetée de Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Jetée de Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Les Sables-d'Olonne at 0.8 NM to the N. Other ports served include L'Île-d'Olonne (4.8 NM N), Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (13.1 NM NNW), Saint Hilaire de Riez (13.9 NM NNW), CHENAL DE LA FABRIQU (20.1 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Jetée de Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Jetée de Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Jetée de Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Jetée de Saint-Nicolas Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.